Les Misérables

So, as a theatre fan myself, it needs to be noted up front; this is not a stage show on film. Anyone watching with that presumption has completely missed the point, and will ultimately be missing out. Instead, the film version explicitly takes advantage of the medium it's presented in, spinning the story to an ever darker and grittier revolutionary France than on stage, able to show every tear strewn cheek, every dirt smeared flag and every blood covered street in close-up, high definition. And close up it very much is. Tom Hooper's lingering single takes and full head shot close ups leaves the actors absolutely nowhere to hide, almost forcing them to deliver sensational performances. It should leave little surprise then that so many have subsequently been lauded for their performances (including Anne Hathaway's recent BAFTA win). In fact, it's only Russell Crowe that seems to be a slightly weak link, feeling almost uncomfortable in role, or at the very least, in being made to sing.

Well I can certainly hear the people sing. Though there was hardly going to be a review of Les Mis without a picture of Eddie Redmayne, was there?

On that subject, there really is something to be said for the live singing. Whilst certainly not flawless, it is positively wringing with a level of emotion that just wouldn't be possible from a studio audio track. In fact, it may very well be the various vocal cracks and blemishes that adds the depth of reality to the story we see on screen.

While certainly not one of the best films of all time, and the fact that it's a musical which will instantly rule out a vast population who very much prefer other cups of tea, it's very easy to see why Les Mis has done so well this awards season. But do me a favour; if you do watch it, do so for the merits of the silver screen (or, if you're that way inclined, Eddie Redmayne). If you're more interested in the soundtrack, you might be better off in the West End.